Ever need a place to go back in time? To really escape the trappings of modern life?
Minas Gerais, a farming state in Brazil, is bigger than the entire country of France and has many such escapes. We headed to Raul Soares, a small farming town where my daughter’s father is from. The nearest airport is in Ipatinga, and we bought tickets to fly there.
However, due to an accident on its small runway, it was closed, and our flights were cancelled. It is a charming small airport, just a one-hour drive to Raul Soares, but we were forced to fly into Belo Horizonte, a much bigger airport, although it is a five-hour drive from Raul Soares.
If you are forced to arrive in Belo Horizonte like we were, it’s worth staying over to visit the amazing Inhotim outdoor art museum.
Ibis has a comfortable hotel near Belo Horizonte airport. Inhotim is a forty-minute drive from there and is one of the largest outdoor art museums in the world. I had my doubts that this could be so interesting for an entire day, but the walk around the different objects placed outside in the stunning tropical gardens is delightful.
The natural wood seats, art objects, beautiful wood tunnels, and sculptures are fun for both kids and adults. We enjoyed an entire day there and had a large lunch. We stayed overnight at the Ibis hotel again before driving a further five hours to Raul Saures in Minas Gerais.
Once we arrived at my daughter’s father’s family home, we were looked after with extreme generosity, for which Brazilians are well known. My daughter was showered with gifts, and we enjoyed a sumptuous feast featuring lots of fresh food.
There are many pousadas or guest houses nearby to stay in.
Pousada Dona Inacia is a beautiful spot to eat, drink, and swim for the day. Pousada Dona Inacia also has a spacious dining area with a pool, a pool table, and toys for the kids, while adults can savour local cerveza (that’s beer), like Brahma or Skol, with a BBQ in the shade, enjoying the fabulous view of the mountains.
The pousada has 16 chickens wandering the establishment, providing fresh eggs and chicken for the restaurant. If you want to stay overnight, it costs 270 Reals (£50) for two, including breakfast. The large house on the property costs 1080 Reals for up to 8 persons per night, with breakfast included.
Hotel Fazenda Vermelho Velho is located on the same site as Pousada Dona Inacia, and all the rooms have stunning views over the valley and access to several swimming pools. There is a second restaurant on-site and a stunning waterfall where one can actually do rappelling, which is securely bolted. Like everywhere else, they tend to get fully booked during the Christmas and New Year’s season, so if you plan to visit at that time, be sure to book in advance! They are available on Facebook and Instagram, or you can call Leo directly at (55)33999818109.
I find that Minas Gerais is too hot in November, December, January, and February, but it has perfect weather at other times of the year.
If rock climbing at the waterfall behind the Pousada seems a bit scary for you, you can choose to go horse riding instead. You can book a ride for 30 reals (£5) an hour through the Pousada Dona Inacia.
Large gassa white birds (garsa largo) adorn the trees, and there are many country walks in the area. It’s amazing to go back in time to when people still use horses as a means of transport. I even saw a farmer riding his cow with a saddle, something that’s new to me.
The place all parents must take their kids while in Minas is Minas Beach. This is a fantastic water park open only from Friday to Sunday and offers amazing water slides, a ship, and a full day’s fun. Children under six enter for free. Adults pay an entrance fee of 60 Reais (£10).
After tiring out your kids at the water park, you can head to the Kayak Club for music and entertainment. For Brazilians, Fohol is a major form of popular music, and they have live performances at bars and restaurants. I enjoyed the Kayak Club, and since children are welcome everywhere, there’s never a place they can’t be, so you can bring your kids with you.
Spending a day in the town of Raul Soares is fun, too. For lunch, JR Lanches offers nice hamburgers and hot dogs, along with an outdoor seating area. It’s not my first choice, but it’s nice for a simple, cheap snack. It’s also on the street, so personally, I would choose the snack bar in the new shopping mall, Hamburgao Lanches, just around the corner, as it’s off the main road and has beer.
After that, you can wander the shops and perhaps stop by O Boticário, which sells products such as hand lotion and perfume made from Brazilian ingredients and of super nice quality. After that, one can shop for kids’ essentials at Loja Mejores or Merceria Bon Preso for cheap prices.
Finally, dinner at Meo Rancho is recommended after a day in the town. Like São Paulo, many restaurants have a space for children to play while the parents relax. Meo Rancho has a large children’s play area inside at the back. They are directly on the town square with outdoor and indoor seating, and they serve really good pizza and cocktails. They have tilapia fried in small pieces with a delicious sauce and amazing “Portuguese” pizza.
Since Meo Rancho is directly outside the main square, you can rent a little car for the kids while you sit and eat. The shops there stay open late for those enjoying the evening after a hard day’s work.
This restaurant does not offer much for vegetarians, but the salad and the beans (feijão) are really tasty with rice. Brazil is a very meat-oriented country, but has all manner of salads, amazing fruits, and fresh juices that are all much tastier than in the UK due to the climate and freshness.
When our time comes to say goodbye to Minas Gerais, my daughter is particularly sad to leave, having indulged in so many activities she doesn’t get at home very often. She will certainly be back for the horse riding, mud sliding, water park, and waterfalls soon.
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents Traveling with Kids to Minas Gerais, Brazil
Is Minas Gerais kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Minas is fantastic for kids. There are plenty of activities like hiking, horse riding, visiting waterfalls, and even mud sliding (an instant favourite!). The region is also home to some beautiful farms and open spaces where kids can roam freely.
What should I pack for my kids?
Make sure to pack comfortable clothes for outdoor adventures, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, bug repellent, and swimwear for the water parks and waterfalls. Don’t forget something warm for cooler evenings—it can get a bit chilly depending on the season.
How’s the food for picky eaters?
The food in Minas Gerais is likely to win over even the fussiest eaters. Rice and beans (feijão) are staples and pair perfectly with fresh salads. If your kids love fruit, they’ll be spoiled with sweet, juicy tropical options here. And, of course, cheese bread (pão de queijo) is a hit with everyone!
Are there activities suitable for younger children?
Yes! Many of the farms and parks cater to younger kids with simple activities like petting zoos, pony rides, or just space to explore safely. It’s easy to find something suitable for toddlers to teens.
Is it easy to get around with kids?
Traveling around Minas Gerais is manageable as long as you’re prepared. Renting a car is often the best way to explore, but some areas can be remote. Bring snacks and entertainment for longer journeys! Most places are family-friendly and accommodating.
***Pro tip**: Don’t miss out on the waterfalls! Just be sure to double-check the accessibility if you have very young children.*
What are the must-visit spots in Minas Gerais for families?
Minas Gerais is packed with amazing family-friendly destinations that everyone will love! Belo Horizonte, the state’s capital, is a great starting point—it’s a vibrant, kid-friendly city with plenty of parks, like the beautiful Parque das Mangabeiras and the centrally located Parque Municipal. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, head to the Serra do Cipó National Park to enjoy breathtaking views and easy walking trails suitable for all ages.
For a mix of history and charm, don’t miss Ouro Preto, a famous colonial town filled with cobblestone streets and iconic baroque architecture. It’s a great way to introduce kids to Brazil’s rich history, but be prepared for hilly terrain—it’s steep in some areas, so bring comfortable shoes! Whether you’re exploring São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, or Minas Gerais’ countless hidden gems, there’s something for every family to enjoy
Discover more of our travels to Brazil here:
First trip to Brazil with my daughter
Discovering Sao Paulo
And follow along for our next adventure in Brazil as part of this trip – we went to the beach area of Salvador
Top 11 Reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro with kids
